"I felt truly listened to, cared for and supported"

I cannot speak highly enough about the incredible staff and the care they provided for me pre and post natal, as well as the extra special care they provided to my newborn son, born at 35 weeks.

I had a high-risk pregnancy which was consultant-led and from the regular and thorough appointments and scans throughout my pregnancy I felt taken care of and listened to from day 1. I had a dedicated consultant (Kirsty) as well as a specialise midwife (Lynne) assigned to me for the anxiety which was invaluable support. 

I ended up with a 5-night stay in the antenatal ward 72 before baby arrived due to my cervix dilating and the midwives who looked after me (have to mention Amy and Emily) were incredible and made me feel safe and supported. The doctor who checked me over the night my contractions started (Bobbie) really listened to my concerns and anxieties, read through all my notes from a previous traumatic birth and wasted no time in calling in a senior consultant from in call to deliver my baby safely. 

In post-labour recovery I was taken care of by the lovely Melissa, who went above and beyond with a very personable approach and high standard of care, given I had just had a general anaesthetic she ensured I had the time required in recovery before moving to a ward. 

I then spent the following 10 days in ward 68 with senior charge nurse Annette and all of her incredible team of midwives, so many to mention but all absolutely amazing people. They provided me with my own room due to having a pre-term baby and a longer stay and I can only praise every midwife in the ward, they really are very special and I will feel forever indebted to them for their kindness, care, emotional support, and hugs. 

On day 7 post birth, my baby was admitted to the neonatal unit for feeding support and I cannot thank nurses Natalie and Caroline and ANNPs Gillian and Shona for all their support to get my baby boy healthy and ready for home.

Despite a challenging pregnancy and birth, I had the most wonderful experience at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, where I felt truly listened to, cared for and supported, which was a massive difference to my first birth at a different hospital.

Every single staff member - doctors, midwives, neonatal nurses, feeding support team, maternity assistants, auxiliaries and so on - were all fantastic at their roles. Thank you to all the staff I met who supported me, I am truly grateful!